Komets Start Slow, Finish Strong Against Division Leader

ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets (via ducks.nhl.com)

Cincinnati, OH – The Komets rebounded from Friday’s disappointment by finishing strong last night versus division leading Cincinnati on the back end of a home and home. The Komets called up Mike Hoban from Dayton of the Federal League to fill in for Luca Caputi, who was injured in Friday’s 4-2 loss to the Cyclones.

Cincinnati (20-11-2) started the scoring on Andrew Conboy’s third goal of the year 4:17 into the contest. The Komets (18-15-2) evened up the game on Jean-Michel Rizk’s 14th of the season at the 7:42 mark. Nick Schaus’s slashing minor led to the Cyclones getting the lead back with just under two minutes left in the period.

Cincinnati padded the lead on a David Pacan shorty 2:35 into the second frame. The Komets roared back with a strong showing in the second period. Brendan Marino powered one by Cyclone goalie Brian Foster less than a minute after going down two. Schaus atoned for the slash by netting a short handed goal to tie the game at the 6:52 mark.

The Komets pulled away heading into the final frame. Hoban gave the K’s the lead for good 1:39 into the last frame. Matt Firman added an insurance goal three minutes later. Cincinnati tried to mount a comeback, but fell short only being able to net one with just under six minutes left.

The Komets welcome Orlando to the Coliseum tonight at 5:00 PM EST. Audio, as always is available on the Komets website.

Three Stars:

1. FW F 29 Mike Hoban

2. FW RW 64 Jean-Michel Rizk

3. CIN F 25 David Pacan

SOG: